Elaborate security at Sabarimala for celestial light event

The authorities Sunday ensured safety and security arrangements at Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala for celestial light event Tuesday.

The sighting of the auspicious celestial light is the most important event of the two-month pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

The temple is located in the Western Ghat ranges, four km uphill from Pampa base camp in Kerala's Pathanamthitta, around 170 km from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

There has been a huge influx of pilgrims and authorities keeping in the mind the 2011 stampede here, which left 106 pilgrims dead, are ensuring all safety and security measures to avoid any such accident.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told IANS Sunday that never before has the temple witnessed this wide scale of security arrangements.

"We have posted 9,000 policemen to manage the unprecedented rush of devotees," said Chennithala.

In 2011, the stampede occurred at Pullumedu Hill, near the temple. It is at this place where the maximum crowd gathers.

"We have posted 1,400 policemen at Pullumedu, 12 km of road has been lit up and barricades also erected. We have provided basic facilities for the pilgrims," said Kerala police official A. Hemachandran.